Johnny Depp Delights Children At A Hospital In Spain While Dressed As Captain Jack Sparrow

Johnny Depp recently delighted children at Donostia University Hospital by reprising his role as Captain Jack Sparrow.

The Hollywood star engaged with young patients and brought joy to the Pediatrics and Oncology wards at the hospital.

This wasn't Johnny Depp's first charitable act as Jack Sparrow; in 2022, he encouraged 13-year-old Kori, a fan with a terminal heart condition, via a heartfelt video while dressed as the famous character.

Depp recently brought smiles to children's faces when he dressed as his iconic Captain Jack Sparrow character from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film franchise during a special visit to Donostia University Hospital in San Sebastián. He spent time with young patients, sharing moments of joy and laughter.

To maintain the magic, Depp remained fully in character throughout his visit, bringing even more delight to the children in the pediatric and oncology wards. Photos from the visit also captured Depp cradling babies and posing with patients.

In a statement, Osakidetza-Basque Health Service expressed gratitude for Depp's visit, noting how he "chatted, played and laughed with the children."

"They have shared laughs and anecdotes, and he has helped them forget for a few minutes the difficulties they are going through at the moment," the statement read, per the Daily Mail. "It was a gift that brought joy to patients, families, nursing professionals, doctors, and all the staff who were working on the ward at the time."

The hospital extended heartfelt thanks to Depp, adding: "From Osakidetza, and especially from all the staff at the Donostia University Hospital, we would like to express our infinite gratitude to Johnny Depp for his time, his support and his energy, he has been a breath of fresh air for the entire ward."

This isn't the first time Depp has used his famous Captain Jack Sparrow persona to bring joy to others.

In 2022, the 61-year-old actor donned his iconic Disney costume to offer a heartfelt message of encouragement to a young fan battling a terminal heart condition.

Depp surprised 13-year-old YouTuber Kori with a personalized video and phone call as Captain Jack, telling him, "I wish you the best of luck, I'm your number one fan Captain Kori, all my respect and love."

Kori, who has undergone two heart transplants and is receiving palliative care, had been working to grow his YouTube following, a goal Depp enthusiastically supported.

Depp's decision to step back into character came shortly after news broke that he could return to the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise after his highly publicized legal tussle with his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

In an interview with Daily Mail, franchise screenwriter and producer Terry Rossio expressed that Depp would be welcomed back "with open arms" now that he has turned his life around.

He noted that he "wouldn't hesitate" to bring the actor back to the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise despite past allegations of abuse and alcoholism.

Rossio emphasized that casting Depp is not a hurdle for a potential sequel. Instead, the challenges lie in developing the right script, securing co-stars, and ensuring financial backing for the Disney-owned franchise, which has already earned over $4.5 billion globally.

Speaking on camera at the premiere of his new film "Protocol 7," Rossio praised Depp, saying, "Johnny is beloved. I wouldn't even hesitate on Johnny Depp."

He added: "Johnny Depp isn't the issue. The issue is: is there a story worthy? Is the script good? Can it be directed well? Can the finances of it be worked out? Those are the issues. The issue has nothing to do with Johnny."

Meanwhile, a source close to the "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" actor recently told People Magazine that he's moving forward in his life without any hate and is prioritizing his health more these days.

"He is prioritizing his health and wellbeing much more these days," the source shared. "People were loving his look for the Jeanne du Barry U.K. premiere. He got a new haircut, he looked polished and clean-cut. He's lost weight. He's feeling and looking healthier."

"He's taking advantage of being in this better headspace," the insider added. "There's a lot of good energy, and he surrounds himself with a good group of people."

Amid his Hollywood comeback, Depp has also opened himself up to love again. He is now dating Russian beautician Polina Vlasova after a long period of singlehood following his split from ex-wife Amber Heard.

Depp is believed to have first met Vlasova during the 55th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which took place in Prague, Czech Republic, in August 2021.

Vlasova is reportedly based in Prague, where she runs a makeup and hairstyling studio. However, she frequently travels to the U.K. to spend time with Depp, who resides on an 850-acre estate in Somerset.

According to the Daily Mail, Depp and Vlasova have been dating "here and there" for over two years. This timeline suggests that their relationship began shortly after the completion of Depp's defamation trial with Heard.